INTERVIEW WITH DANIEL CALLEJA CRESPO, EUROPEAN COMMISSION'S SME ENVOY : "THE IDEA IS TO REDUCE OBSTACLES TO THE INTERNAL MARKET".

When presenting its review of the Small Business Act, on 23 February, the European Commission announced the appointment of a new SME Envoy, Spanish national Daniel Calleja Crespo. Although the position is not new, the idea is to step up monitoring of the measures recommended by the initial SBA and its review, including provisions to facilitate access to credit. Ideally, such a position should also be created at national level. This subject will be addressed by the industry ministers at the Competitiveness Council, on 10 March.

What new task is given to the SME envoy as part of the SBA review?

The SBA review reiterates the need to enhance governance and cooperation between the European and national levels. We have come to realise that it is not enough simply to propose measures, but that effective governance mechanisms have to be provided at European level, with the involvement of national players and industry. We wish to operate in a more structured way.

The European SME envoy will be a coordinator. At internal level, I will make sure the SME test is carried out so that new initiatives will not complicate life for SMEs. And externally, I will monitor implementation of the SBA in close coordination with governments and civil society.

So far, I have had contacts with the national administrations: I have already been to Italy and the United Kingdom with Commissioner Tajani and I will soon be meeting French and Spanish authorities. All the other countries will follow.

The communication also calls on member states to appoint SME envoys at their level. Do you think this provision will be taken up by the states?

The communication does in fact invite member states to appoint an SME representative at national level. This person would be in charge of ensuring respect at national level for the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises. He or she would also coordinate with the European envoy and representatives of SME associations, with the aim of exchanging best practice and developing SME policy together. Individuals have already been nominated in Italy and other countries will follow.

Will the designation of national SME representatives be discussed at the Competitiveness Council, on 10 March?

Yes, this question will be discussed at the industry ministers' working lunch. However, this will mainly be an opportunity to present the communication and receive comments from national authorities. This is an initial presentation of the broad outlines...